Three fraudsters have appeared in court for claiming housing and council tax benefit.

Gary Pinnock, 25, of Vallum Court, Avison Street, Arthur's Hill, Newcastle, failed to declare he had started working in July 2004 and carried on claiming housing and council tax benefit from Newcastle City Council.

At Newcastle Magistrates Court he admitted two charges of failing to report a change in his circumstances. He was fined £25 for each offence and ordered to repay £1,252.20.

Henry Davison, 56, of Rosedale Court, West Denton, failed to declare he had savings of more than £16,000. He admitted obtaining housing and council tax benefit by false representation.

He was fined £400 and charged costs of £45. He has already repaid council tax benefit of £1,786.43.

Gillian Blackham 41, of Eastgarth, Newbiggin Hall, failed to declare she had started work in 2004.

She was found guilty of two charges of failing to report a change in her circumstances in order to obtain housing and council tax benefit.

She was fined £100 and ordered to pay costs of £45. She will repay rent rebate of £697.84 and council tax benefit of £308.03.